Dust-proof linear bearing structure

Abstract

A fluid bearing which levitates a slider can be configured by providing bearing fluid spraying outlets in appropriate positions on the effective bearing surface of the slider facing each guide surface of a linear bearing. To prevent foreign matter from entering the clearances between bearing surfaces, foreign matter purging fluid outlets are provided at the lower front and lower back ends of the slider to spray a fluid onto the exposed parts of each guide surface.

1 . A dust-proof linear bearing structure which comprises a guide having at least one guide surface aligned in the direction of linear motion and a slider having a surface facing each such guide surface, wherein: 
 said slider has foreign matter purging fluid spraying means for spraying foreign matter purging fluid onto the bearing part of each said guide surface at a location exposed outside said slider, said foreign matter purging fluid spraying means having at least one foreign matter purging fluid spraying aperture means for each said guide surface.    
   
   
       2 . The dust-proof linear bearing structure according to  claim 1 , wherein said linear bearing is a fluid bearing configured between said guide surfaces and the surface of the slider which faces said guide surfaces.  
   
   
       3 . The dust-proof linear bearing structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the direction in which foreign matter purging fluid is sprayed from said foreign matter purging fluid spraying aperture means is variable.  
   
   
       4 . The dust-proof linear bearing structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the type of said foreign matter purging fluid can be selectively switched.  
   
   
       5 . The dust-proof linear bearing structure according to  claim 1 , wherein the slider has at least one suction aperture for each said guide surface.